While it wasn’t a hallmark Tottenham performance, Jose Mourinho will take solace in seeing the positive response in his side’s 2-0 win over Aston Villa.
It wasn’t the type of performance that makes your hair stand on end, but Tottenham got the job done with the reaction their gaffer was looking for. Securing the three vital points was, in large part, thanks to the redemptive character of a handful of players, many of whom weren’t a part of the midweek debacle.
Jose intelligently called upon a few youngsters, those who have boundless desire and devotion; those with nothing to lose. Japhet Tanganga and Joe Rodon showed the commitment and dedication palpably missing from Thursday evening’s Europa League exit. Tanganga and Rodon played like their lives depended on it; they played wholly for the badge.
It’s that type of commitment Jose requires from all of his players, particularly the most senior members of the squad.
Tottenham’s commitment to relentlessly pressure the home side made life difficult for Villa, who couldn’t find any semblance of rhythm.
And it wasn’t just the youngsters who led by example. A considerably better show of collective resilience and togetherness spurred Tottenham on to a vital three points and, maybe more importantly, an immeasurably important moral victory.
Lucas Moura’s effort was excellent and so too was Carlos Vinicius’, who scored his first Premier League goal. While obviously slightly fatigued and laboured, Harry Kane showed precisely what it means to play for the badge. His touch let him down slightly, but his work ethic and dedication easily offset his on-the-ball struggles.
Other than Kane, Pierre Hojberg is Tottenham’s most important player, and he proved why yet again. The Dane takes responsibility for all the thankless, dogged tasks others don’t want any part of. He is the rearguard’s guardian angel and continuously provides support for the creative types, allowing them to go forward without fear of being exposed on the counter.
It’s great to have Giovanni Lo Celso back while both Ben Davies and, before he left with a few knocks, Sergio Reguilon showed quality and extreme commitment to the cause.
By no means was it a lesson in technical competence, but Jose won’t care too much about that after seeing his lads show pride in their profession and truly honour the badge we all lionize so much.